In bed with Crossover speakers: Michal Zalewski

Meet the Conventa Crossover speakers 2017.

Jun 16, 2017

Spokesman for Krakow Festival Office

Michał Zalewski has been working with the Kraków Festival Office and the ICE Kraków Congress Centre since 2013. He is responsible for PR and New Media and he is the spokesman for the Kraków Festival Office and International Conferences and Entertainment (ICE) Kraków.

GENERAL

Q: What do you love about your job the most?

I’m a spokesman and PR manager, so my work relies on relationships. Contact with people is something I couldn’t live without in this day of ubiquitous internet and online interactions. But what I love most about my job is how unpredictable it is. I plan my activities, of course, but it’s solving problems here and now and dealing with emergencies that brings me the most satisfaction.

Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunity in marketing and MICE industry?

Since we’re talking about digitalisation, one of the greatest threats to MICE is excessive automation. Our trade is based on relationships, conversations, contact with people, so getting the right blend of technology and experience is great for the meetings industry. But it has to be done the right way!

Q: How do you deal with marketing jungle on daily basis?

The information overload and excessive stimuli we face often means we forget about the broader perspective. In marketing, it’s essential to remember that our activities have long-lasting effects. That’s why I always make sure I think about the potential outcomes of all of my actions.

Q: How did the best events you attended so far make you feel?

I really enjoy massive concerts by artists such as SIA and Coldplay – they are events on an almost theatrical scale, and my work in the events industry means I know exactly how they are produced. It makes me feel professional. I also really like it when organisers of congresses and conferences come up with creative settings, locations and backdrops. One of my pet hates is when a speaker stands in front of a screen. When I see organisers taking great care of the production of their event, I feel like there’s a bright future for our industry.

PERSONAL – BACKGROUND

Q: Looking at your bucket list, what is the one thing that you really wish to cross off until the end of 2017?

I recently started a blog, Well Said, where I write about public appearances. I would love to start working with some agencies to develop this part of my work. And one of my greatest dreams is to go to Brazil.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead), who would you have dinner with and why?

Marie Skłodowska-Curie! She was a fascinating lady – a Polish chemist awarded two Nobel prizes. But we wouldn’t talk about those. She fought for women’s right and in a way she was a PR manager for women’s issues in her day. She was the first woman to lecture at a university.

CROSSOVER CONFERENCE

Q: What would you share with our participants if you would have only one minute?

Interesting question. I’d explain that the way we operate in business circles is closely related on other projects we have in our daily lives. You can’t live on work alone – and even if you’re totally dedicated to your job, you should never lose your sense of humour or take yourself too seriously. Too many people do that, but we all need positive energy and smiles.

Q: What are you bringing to Conventa Crossover?

Polish hospitality, and of course an invitation to Kraków! In terms of my professional message, I bring my experience as twice-winner of the Meetings Star Award – and I can’t wait to share it.

ATTEND CROSSOVER

Learn to survive the marketing jungle and join us in the mighty jungle, where no lion sleeps. Become a part of our community and make sure to join us at Conventa Crossover 2017, register here and check out the events’ storytellers here.